The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame has announced that it will induct Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco on 13 September 2023.

Magliocco initially fell in love with Kentucky bourbon while bartending during college at Yale, where he studied religion. After spending his summers selling bourbon and other spirits, Magliocco embarked on a full-time career in the spirits business, working as a distributor in one of his first jobs with R.C Wells, the former President of Four Roses.

He subsequently led the effort to develop Chatham Imports, a spirits and wine supplier and eventual parent company of Michter’s Distillery. While selling the brand he and mentor Richard Newman entered the bourbon business with, he grew more and more familiar with Michter’s. Following its bankruptcy, Magliocco led Chatham’s acquisition if its trademark in the 1990s and set out to restart the historic brand.

Michter’s is now sold in all states in the US and in over 60 export markets. It now has two Louisville-based distilleries, as well as a 205-acre farm and operations hub in Springfield.

Magliocco will be the second Michter’s Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member after the brand’s master of maturation and COO Andrea Wilson.

Commenting on the induction, Michter’s master distiller Dan McKee said: “I know I speak for our entire team when I say we are grateful for Joe’s unwavering support, which has enabled us to make decisions that prioritise making the highest quality whiskey every step of the way.” Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson added, “Joe’s contributions will have a lasting impact on the Kentucky bourbon industry and on how American whiskey is perceived around the world.”

Speaking on what the induction means to him, Magliocco added: “Kentucky bourbon has thrived and reached its current level of success because of all the great people working in all the positions in our industry. I am humbled and deeply honoured to be included among this year’s extraordinary inductees into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.”